“Wandering” is observed in 60% of dementia cases – other symptoms

0

People with dementia are more likely to get lost in the complex road network.

In the early stages, dementia can cause people to have memory problems, such as losing keys. But as the disease progresses, memory problems can become more frequent and dangerous. People with dementia may start to forget familiar things, including places. This can lead to people wandering and getting lost.

While wandering is common, it can be dangerous, even life-threatening, and the stress associated with this risk places a heavy burden on carers and family.

People with dementia are more likely to get lost in areas with busy, complex and untidy roads.

The researchers found that the higher the density of road intersections, the more complex they are, and the less orderly or less grid-like the overall road network layout, the higher the risk of people with dementia getting lost.

This is despite the fact that each A road crossing is a point at which a person needs to make an important navigational decision. The more intersections, the more complex these intersections and the more disorganized the overall road network, the greater the problem for people with dementia.

Someone who finishes their regular walks or gets behind the wheel later than usual is more likely to gets lost at some point.

“Another sign is trouble finding familiar places, including the bedroom, bathroom, or dining room.”

Other signs include:

• Trying or wanting to “go home” even when at home.
• The person becomes restless, pacing or making repetitive movements.
• Nervousness or anxiety in crowded places such as markets or restaurants.
• Acts like doing hobbies or housework, but nothing gets done.